30 December 2015

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta still onsidered 2015 a good year for the sport overall despite the Azkals’ string of losses in the Fifa World Cup qualifiers in the last quarter.

Parading a slew of high-quality recruits and returnees, the Azkals actually got off to a 2-0 start in Group H of the WCQ with victories over Bahrain and Yemen last June. This propelled Phl to its all time high of 124th in the July Fifa world rankings.

However, the Azkals went on a freefall thereafter. Although they held leader North Korea to a fighting 0-0 draw in Pyongyang, the Pinoy booters lost three matches along the way to crash out of the World Cup qualifiers with still two fixtures left in their schedule.

The Azkals, though, remain in the running for a berth to the next round of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and they need to finish third in the group to advance.

“It’s also a good year for Philippine football. We started the World Cup qualifiers with a bang; unfortunately, we didn’t do well in the last three games. But hopefully, we can still advance to the Asian Cup Qualifiers in 2016. That’s our target now,” said Araneta.

The PFF chief expressed belief lack of “match fitness” took its toll on local-based Azkals in the October and November fixtures of the WCQ as their stints in the United Football League had long ended at the time.

“Siguro the UFL season ended too early. Nawala ng fitness ng players (The players weren’t as fit at the time of the WCQ). They ended September; nakita naman natin malayo yung fitness nila last June compared to October, November (We can see the disparity in fitness in their matches in June and in October-November),” he said.

“We’re asking the UFL to start their season in February and end in October because we’re looking forward to the Suzuki Cup by November),” he added.

23 December 2015

Kaya Futbol Club would like to announce more good news as the Kaya family grows bigger with the signing of Australian goalkeeper Matthew Acton, Ghanaian goalkeeper Isaac Annan, and Senegalese striker Robert Lopez Mendy.

Matthew Acton, from Thuringowa Central, Australia, played for Olympic FC before joining Kaya. He previously played for Yangon United in the Myanmar National League and became the first Australian goalkeeper to join the league. Upon his arrival, he started in all 14 of his league matches, keeping five clean sheets, and eventually helped Yangon finish second in the league. Prior to playing overseas, he spent seven years with A-League team Brisbane Roar, where he returned for a brief spell before joining Olympic FC in 2015. He also represented Australia at the U20 level.

Isaac Annan, from Accra, Ghana, established and developed his football career in Ghana, where he played for Unistar Soccer Academy, Pure Joy FC, and Charity FC, respectively. He also got called up to Ghana’s U20 team in 2010. He’s a fearless and formidable shot stopper, and we hope he can establish himself at Kaya as well.

Robert Lopez Mendy, from Dakar, Senegal, previously played for Green Archers United FC. Having scored for the Archers on numerous occasions, he helped the team reach its goals through his goal-scoring exploits and fantastic performances in the United Football League (UFL).

We would like to give a warm welcome to our new signings, who are a testament to our intentions to strengthen our squad, continue where we left off from last season, and start the year with hope and promise.

Kaya Futbol Club is delighted to announce the return of former Kaya player Antonio Ugarte and the addition of five new Filipino players—Shirmar Felongco, Julian Matthews, Sean Kane, Vito Tanton, and Charlie Beaton.

Antonio Ugarte joined Kaya in August 2012, and after donning the club’s colors for two UFL Cups and one league season, he left the club in December 2013 with our sincerest gratitude and respect. After two successful years in Thailand, during which he played for Nara United and Pattani, respectively, the midfielder returns to Kaya FC. “It was an incredible experience. I feel like I’ve matured a lot since I moved there … I think it made me an all-around better player,” narrated Ugarte. He has always had the qualities of a Kaya player, and we are delighted to have him back on the team. “It’s amazing being back. Kaya has always felt like family to me, so I’m so comfortable with this group. It’s made the transition really easy, and after only a month, I know I made the right decision coming back,” he admitted.

Shirmar Felongco, born in Calinog, Iloilo, is not new to the Philippine football scene, having played for UST and two United Football League (UFL) teams, Pachanga and Stallion, prior to joining Kaya. In addition, he was recently called up to play for the Philippines’s U23 side this year when he participated in the 2016 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers in Thailand and in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Singapore, where he scored his first international goal against Myanmar. Eager to prove his skills, the Ilonggo player is thrilled to be part of the Kaya family. “Nag-sign ako dito kasi gusto ko pa ma-enjoy ang football life ko, at saka gusto ko pa na marami pa akong matutunan sa paglalaro. Masaya ako na naging part ako ng team kasi isa rin sila sa malakas na team sa UFL. … Maglalaro ako bilang isang utility player sa team. Para kahit anong position ang ibigay ng coach, kaya kong patunayan na kaya kong maglaro,” said Felongco.

Julian Matthews, born in Manila, moved to Australia in 2007. The youngster has played for different teams such as Real Valladolid, Gold Coast Reps, and Queensland. He won the league with his most recent team, Palm Beach SC, in Australia, and he is now set to make his debut with Kaya. “Kaya is a great team. I felt comfortable when I was training. It feels great to be part of the Kaya family. Everyone is really friendly and nice. That’s why I decided to sign for Kaya—because I felt part of the family and I’d fit in with the guys,” shared Matthews.

Sean Kane was born in Pasay, Philippines, and moved to the Netherlands when he was six years old. At just seven years old, he played for a small club in Veldhoven, Netherlands (RKVVO). Two years later, he moved to Sweden and started playing for Lerums IS, where he received multiple awards such as Player of the Year and Coaches’ Award. At 16, he rose through the youth ranks to become part of the first team, which paved the way for his development and steadfast commitment. “I got the opportunity to move up to train and play together with some experienced players that gave me so much knowledge of the game and formed me into the player I am today,” said Kane. He later moved to the States to study and play for Menlo College and is now a Kaya player. “I had a great feeling about Kaya from the moment I had my first tryout. I felt welcomed from the first moment, and despite me not being in the team yet, it felt like I had been there for so long already …”

Vito Tanton, born in Freeport, Illinois, brings to the club his football experience from Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) in the States and Unió Atlètica d’Horta (UA Horta) in Barcelona, which shaped him to become a committed player. “I think I can add some maturity, creativity, composure, and physicality to Kaya’s midfield and also just add to the depth of quality of the squad,” said Tanton. He also had a brief spell at Loyola Meralco Sparks but was unfortunately sidelined due to an injury. He is now back in the game as a Kaya player and will play alongside his brother Miguel Tanton. “Kaya has a style of play created by the players they have and have had that made it a very easy decision to join. There is a commitment to humility and hard work at the club, which was also very important to me in not just a sporting aspect. It feels great to be here,” he explained.

Charlie Beaton was born in Cavite, Philippines, and moved to London when he was two years old. While growing up in England, he played for amateur clubs and even got the chance to play for Watford for two years despite not making it into the first team. He eventually moved back to the Philippines to play for Loyola Meralco Sparks and represented the Philippines at the U23 level in the 2016 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers in Thailand. “I have admired Kaya as a club since I first got here. I think the club is run really well with great coaches and a bunch of talented players. I’m happy to add to that. They have been very welcoming,” said Beaton. “I look forward to playing with the players and working alongside Chris to bring the best out of the squad and myself.”

We hope everyone will extend a warm welcome to the new members of the Kaya family, who will stand in good stead for the challenges ahead. There may be new faces, challenges, and experiences, but we will uphold the same values and qualities that we are known for as we move forward in this journey together. We are pleased to be bolstering our squad with our new signings, and we look forward to seeing them in action in the UFL, 2016 AFC Cup, and beyond. Welcome to Kaya!http://www.kayafc.com/antonio-ugarte-returns-is-joined-by-new-filipino-players/

21 December 2015

MANILA, Philippines - The Alaska Football Cup has come a long way since it was launched a couple of decades ago, luring more than 6,000 players and over 400 teams when it staged its 20th edition at the Alabang Country Club recently.

Alaska Milk president and CEO Wilfred Uytengsu said it was a privilege to hold the biggest and most successful grassroots-development program on the local football scene even as he recalled the tournament’s modest start.

“In 1996, we had 350 players and 25 teams. In our 20th anniversary, we held a three-day event in 26 football fields with 6,150 players in 410 teams. In those 20 years we’ve had 12,159 teams of over 58,000 players play 13,800 games with over 40,000 goals scored. We’ve come a long way,” said Uytengsu.

The Alaska chief also cited the dedication of tournament organizer Tomas Lozano and his role not only in helping promote the tournament but also in discovering some of the best football players in the country who eventually went on to play in the Azkals national team.

“Over these 20 years we’ve also had the opportunity to have some really fantastic players participate in the event. We are proud to say that many in the ranks of the Azkals have come through the Alaska Cup, including Ali Borromeo, Roel Gener, Chieffy Caligdong and Amani Aguinaldo,” said Uytengsu.

Alaska Milk encourages sports engagement as it instills positive values during the early stages of a child’s life.

“Alaska Football Cup is more than just discovering elite players. It’s about promoting teamwork, commitment and dedication. We hope that as players you will keep those characteristics in mind. It’s a privilege to be here to open the 20th Alaska Cup,” said Uytengsu.

We are pleased to announce that the
Celestial Football Club, in cooperation with Bukidnon Football Association
(BUFA), will host and organized the PUMA
– Celestial Invitational Football Cup 2015 on December 28, 2015 (Monday) at
Camp Phillips Football Grounds.We would
like to invite you to participate on this great event.By playing this sport, kids will enjoy the
benefits of physical exercise without missing the fun while learning the life
lessons about winning and losing and standing right back to try again.The young athletes will also learn the value
of discipline, develop friendships, and gain the qualities of leadership,
responsibility, perseverance, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Our staff of experienced tournament organizers has dedicated themselves to
ensuring and enjoyable experience for you, your kids and your team. Our goal is to host the most competitive tournament in Bukidnon.
No team has the luxury to have a bad game, the competition is just
tough! Let
us be one world and one game play with different teams to guarantee your
teams participation of the tournament, completely fill out the attached entry
and registration forms on or before December 20, 2015. Walk in participants will not be entertained.
We look forward to your favorable reply as you are aware of your support and
cooperation is very important. There’s no better time to be part of this game
than right now.

By Jerome Galunan Jr.
Bacolod City-based and reigning 2015 United Football League (UFL) Division 1 champion Ceres-La Salle FC joined Group E after yesterday’s official draw for the 2016 Asian Football Confederation (AFC), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Tampines side has impressive records winning major trophies in Singapore football, including the Singapore Cup and the S. League.

The Singaporean squad has also won the national league championship seven times; thrice in the Singapore Cup; 5 times in the S. League; and once in the ASEAN Club Championship. The Malaysian Selangor FA is also considered the most successful club in Malaysia. It has won a record 32 Malaysia Cups, 7 Malaysia Super League titles, 2 Malaysia Premier League titles, 7 Malaysia FAM League titles, 5 FA Cups, 8 Charity Cups, 4 Malaysia President Cups, 2 Malaysia Youth League titles, and an Agong’s Cup crown. Meanwhile, the Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi has scored 3 titles in the Bangladesh Premier League, 3 in Bangladesh Federation Cup, and one each in the Nepal Budha Subba Gold Cup, Nepal Pokhara Cup, and Bhutan Kings Cup. For Ceres FC mentor and director Ali Rojas Go, however, he thinks it’s a good draw for the club. “We have a big chance against the Singapore, Malaysia and Bangladesh sides. If we are 100% ready, we can beat these teams. Preparation will be the key to progress to the next stage,” he said. On the other hand, fellow Philippine side Kaya joined Hongkong’s Kitchee, Singapore’s Balestier Khalsa, and Maldives’ New Radiant in Group F./WDJhttp://www.watchmendaily.com/sports/in-kuala-lumpur-ceres-fc-draws-group-e/

10 December 2015

The Little Azkals under-13 team failed to enter the quarterfinals of the 2015 SuperMokh Cup after bowing to Japan’s Yokohama FC, 1-4, at the MSN Field in Bukita Jalil, Malaysia on Thursday.
The Philippine team, who was unable to register a win after four games, was overwhelmed by the Japanese squad during their meeting in the crossover playoff match.
The Little Azkals, composed of standouts from all over the country, bowed out of contention after losing to foes in Group D, among them Spain’s Rayo Vallecano FC, Suwon Samsung Bluewings FC of South Korea and Uzbekistan’s Bunyodkor.
In their first match, the Little Azkals took a beating from Uzbekistan’s Bunyodkor FC, 0-6, before suffering another loss to Spain’s Rayo Vallecano, 0-8.
The Philippines, in the group stage of the tournament, was again defeated in the last elimination stage match by the Bluewings of South Korea, 0-4.
Besides the Little Azkals, United Football League club Global FC’s U12 team is also representing the Philippines in the under-12 category of the tilt. The squad has been playing in Group D together with Sepahan FC of Iran, PSW Futera of Thailand, South Korea’s Haeundae FC and Bintang Biru of Malaysia.
In contrast to their older compatriots playing in the international youth tourney, Global FC is currently on top of their group with five points after a win and two draws.

07 December 2015

Join the OPEN TRY OUTS for the MEN'S and YOUTH division on Dec. 12 & 19 at the Navy field, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. Grab the chance to be selected and play in the UFL. Open to foreign players. Text or call if you have any question. See you!

04 December 2015

Kuala Lumpur: The stage is set for the 2016 AFC Cup Group Stage official draw which will take place in Malaysia on December 10.

The draw will be held at the Hilton Petaling Jaya at 3pm (GMT +8) on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.

The Group Stage, which will kick off on February 23, will be preceded by the West Zone’s Play-off Stage which will see the matches of Al Hidd (BHR) v K-Electric (PAK), Tripoli Club (LIB) v FC Alay (KGZ), Al Wahda (SYR) v Turkmenistan’s second club (TBC) and Ahli Al Khalil (PLE) v FC Khujand (TJK). The four play-off winners will advance to the Group Stage - West Zone.